ilinx

noun

1. The sensation or altered state of consciousness that is so created, called by sociologist Roger Caillois, the “strange excitement” of wanton destruction.

   uncountable

   Many of the dances practiced by adults, the polka as well as more contemporary ones, induce a mild form of ilinx.

Where it comes from

Via French from Ancient Greek ἶλιγξ (îlinx, “whirlpool; dizziness”), coined by French sociologist Roger Caillois in 1958.

Adapted from the Wiktionary entry ilinx (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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